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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 1:37:40 GMT -5
Halos @ Red Sox Friday, 14th May 2021 7pm @ Fenway
Canning 3-2/5.19
Looking for his 3rd straight win. In his last start vs the Dodgers he pitched just over 5, allowing one run on 6 hits. Opponents are batting .257 vs him.
Pivetta 5-0/3.19
Has allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 6 of his 7 starts. Opponents are hitting .190 vs him.
Angels vs. Boston Red Sox Friday, May 14, 2021 at 7:10pm EDT Written by Doug Gilghrist
The Los Angeles Angels travel to Boston on Friday to face the Red Sox in an American League battle. It is the beginning of a three-game series. The Angels are coming off a three-game series with the Houston Astros, in which they lost two out of three games. The Red Sox defeated the Oakland A's on Thursday by a score of 8-1 to salvage a game in their three-game series with the Oakland A's. This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.
Trout, Ohtani trying to lead Angels back to playoffs The Los Angeles Angels have not had a lot of success on the baseball diamond recently, but a couple of superstars are trying to change their fortunes. Los Angeles has not made the postseason since the 2014 season, and they enter play on Friday four games out of the final wild card spot in the American League. If it is possible, Mike Trout is having possibly his best season of his incredible career. He is batting just .158 in the last seven days, but his .355 overall batting average is still third in the majors, while he has the best OPS in the league at 1.150. Trout is second on the team in home runs with eight, behind modern-day Babe Ruth, Shohei Ohtani. It's been a century since Major League Baseball has seen a pitching and hitting talent like Ohtani all rolled into one. He leads the team in home runs with 10, which is tied for second in the majors, and he has the best ERA among the starting pitchers at 2.10, although he doesn't have enough innings to qualify for the leaderboard. The Angels still have a way to go to get where they want, but they have a good nucleus to build around for the future.
Los Angeles lost their last two games of their series versus the Astros, as they scored just two total runs in their two losses. The Angels lost by a score of 9-1 on Wednesday, as they allowed five home runs, and three multi-run innings. Ohtani made more history in this game, as he became the first player since 1916 to pitch one day and hit leadoff the next. Jose Iglesias and Jon Jay both had a pair of hits in the game, as Los Angeles had just six hits in the game. Starters Trout, Justin Upton, and David Fletcher were not in the starting lineup, as manager Joe Maddon decided to give them a day off before the team's scheduled off day for a two-day break from baseball. Friday's game begins a 19-day stretch in which they play 19 games. The nine runs given up raised the Angels' team ERA to an MLB-worst 5.23 this season.
Griffin Canning takes the mound for Los Angeles on Thursday evening. He is 3-2 this season, but he has a 5.19 ERA. This will be his sixth start and seventh appearance of the season. Canning has been excellent in his two starts in May, as he is 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA. He has given up just one earned runs in 11 innings in his last two starts. Opponents are hitting .257 against Canning with six home runs this season. He has never faced the Red Sox in his three-year career.
Red Sox snap losing streak The Boston Red Sox are still in first place in the American League East, but they are now tied in the loss column with the Toronto Blue Jays, who are 1.5 games back. Before winning their series finale against the A's on Thursday, Boston suffered through just their second three-game losing streak of the season, and it's the first time since the first three games of the season that they have lost three in a row. Overall, the Red Sox have won five of their last eight games. In their win on Thursday, Xander Bogaerts went 3-3 with a single, double, home run, and three RBI, while Bobby Dalbec also homered for Boston, who jumped out to a 7-0 lead after three innings. J.D. Martinez also had three hits in the game.
Bogaerts and Martinez lead the Red Sox in batting this season, as they are hitting .348 and .340, respectively. Bogaerts is fifth in baseball in batting average, while Martinex is seventh in batting average, tied for second in home runs (10), first in RBI (33), and fifth in OPS (1.044). Boston is batting .258 as a team with 44 home runs on the season. The Red Sox enter play on Friday with a 3.95 ERA this season.
Nick Pivetta will make his eighth start of the season on Friday. He has been Boston's best starting pitcher this season, going 5-0 with a 3.19 ERA. In his last start, Pivetta gave up two runs on three hits in six innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. Opposing batters are hitting .190 against him this season with just two home runs. This will be his first career start against the Angels.
Angels at Red Sox Friday, at 7:10 PM EST Partly Cloudy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 67° F with a 2% chance of rain and 4 MPH wind blowing out in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 1:40:02 GMT -5
Rest of Series SP Probables
Saturday....4pm....Bundy 0-4/5.03 vs Perez 0-2/4.01
Sunday...1pm...Quintanna 0-3/9.00 vs Eovaldi 4-2/4.20
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 1:41:21 GMT -5
Hi-Chew bridges cultural gap; injury updatesMay 13th, 2021 Ian Browne Ian Browne @ianmbrowne BOSTON -- As Hirokazu Sawamura tries to take on added responsibility in the bullpen, he is also learning to bridge cultural gaps with his teammates through candy. "Obviously language is an issue for me, but despite that, I try to go into the circle of a conversation, try to ask a lot of questions even though I don't really speak English," Sawamura said through an interpreter on Thursday. "I try to learn it, speak it. That way I've been able to kind of blend in with my teammates. Recently, the Hi-Chew is really popular in the clubhouse and the bullpen and the dugout and everything. Hi-Chew is the key to good communication." Hi-Chew is a fruit candy made in Japan that was very prevalent around the Boston clubhouse when Junichi Tazawa was with the Red Sox. Apparently, Sawamura has brought the Hi-Chews back to Boston with him. Of course, Sawamura is also learning a lot when it comes to pitching in the United States compared with Japan, where he pitched professionally for the last decade. One thing that has become clear to the righty is that Major Leaguers have a lot more power than their NPB counterparts. While Sawamura used to be able to throw his fastball low in the strike zone, that pitch is often crushed by MLB hitters. "The hitters here, I think they're good at scooping the low strike zone, the low fastball," Sawamura said. "That's the pitch I've given up home runs off, and they've got the long reach, so they're really good at making the hard swing low in the strike zone. I've been able to use the high strike zone and low strike zone with the vertical movement that I've been emphasizing. I think I've been doing a pretty good job of that, and I think I'll keep up with that." With Darwinzon Hernandez and Adam Ottavino both struggling in high-leverage situations as the bridge to closer Matt Barnes, there's an opportunity for Sawamura to be tested more with the game on the line in the coming days. "Obviously if I'm asked to pitch in a high-leverage situation and a tough situation, as a pitcher, that's an honor," Sawamura. "I'm really honored to be able to pitch in those situations, and I can make that my motivation, if [manager Alex Cora] gives me the ball in the tough situations." Pivetta reinstated, will start Friday The Red Sox took righty Nick Pivetta off the roster for Wednesday's game and put him on the COVID-19-related injured list because he was experiencing side effects from getting vaccinated. Fortunately, he was well enough to return to the roster on Thursday and will make his scheduled start on Friday night against the Angels. Pivetta is 5-0 with a 3.19 ERA this season. "As you guys know, this is kind of like how people react to the shot. He's feeling better," said Cora. Kiké could return Tuesday The way things are trending, Kiké Hernández (strained right hamstring) could be back as soon as he is eligible -- which would be Tuesday in Dunedin, Fla., against the Blue Jays. "I think that the way things are moving with Enrique especially, most likely he'll go on a rehab assignment Saturday and Sunday," Cora said, adding that Hernández will DH on Saturday and play center field on Sunday. Christian Arroyo (left wrist contusion) is also eligible to come back Tuesday, but Cora isn't sure yet if he's ready. "Christian is going to hit today. Let's see how he feels about it, then we'll make a decision with him," said Cora. "Like I said, it seems that both of them are trending in the right direction, especially Enrique. That's good news. With Christian, like I said, we just have to wait and see, but it seems like it's feeling a lot better. The fact that he's going to hit outside is a big positive for us." Brasier update One reliever the Red Sox could really use is righty Ryan Brasier, who has missed the entire season thus far due to a left calf strain he suffered at the end of last season. Brasier is still in Fort Myers, Fla., trying to rehab his way back into pitching shape. "He threw bullpen [session], what, three days ago? That's the last thing I heard from him, but he's feeling better," said Cora. "He's feeling a lot better. Nothing as far as rehab yet. Obviously we've got to be smart about it. We've been through this before with him. We don't want to rush it. We know how important he is, and obviously with a calf, the mechanics, all that stuff, we've got to get him right, not only physically but also mechanic-wise. When he gets there, then we're ready to make the next move."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 2:25:54 GMT -5
Letting Nick Pivetta be himself is paying off big for Red Sox By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 13, 2021, 9:33 p.m.
How on earth did Nick Pivetta transform from an outcast from Philly into an indispensable rotation contributor for the Red Sox in what feels like the blink of an eye?
The question looms large given Pivetta’s role in the Red Sox’ strong start to the 2021 season. As he enters his start against the Angels on Friday (following a one-day stint on the COVID-19 injured list while recovering from his second shot), Pivetta is 5-0 with a 3.19 ERA this year.
He’s not overpowering opponents. His 23.3 percent strikeout rate is slightly above league average for starters. Rather, he’s been precise in his attack. Though he’s posted one of the highest walk rates in the big leagues (16.7 percent), he’s avoided the middle of the zone and garnered weak contact (.189 batting average, 0.5 homers per 9 innings, both in the top 10 in the AL) when he’s not missing bats.
Pivetta has performed well beyond his career standards — yet not in a way that surprises anyone. He’s always had a pitch mix — premium fastball velocity and a rare ability to spin breaking balls — that lit up scouts and analytics departments across the game.
Former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro recalled that when he landed Pivetta as a minor leaguer from the Nationals in exchange for Jonathan Papelbon in 2015, he had “scouts banging on the table” with suggestions of the righthander’s potential.
“The ceiling for me was a guy that could probably pitch somewhere in the middle of the rotation, up to a number two,” said Amaro. “He has the physical attributes to be able to maybe even be better than that … It came down to whether he was able to hone it. It’s a fine line between being an also-ran and being a really good pitcher in the major leagues.”
Pivetta wobbled along that line in Philadelphia in a way that was comfortable for neither him nor the team.
He’d come through the minors being told to attack the bottom of the zone with his four-seam fastball/sinker/curveball/slider combination. Yet in a promising first full season in the big leagues in 2018 — though he went 7-14 with a 4.77 ERA, he struck out an impressive 10.3 batters per nine innings — it became clear that his four-seamer played better at the top of the zone than the bottom.
The Phillies asked him to ditch the sinker completely, locate the fastball at the top of the zone, then spin his breaking balls off it, believing such a plan of attack would have similarities to that of Justin Verlander. But a sensible strategy proved easier to design than implement.
“It was, ‘OK, we’re going to change you and you need to pitch up in the zone.’ There wasn’t a lot of tutelage for how to do that. It was more, ‘Just throw up,’” recalled Ryan Hamill, Pivetta’s agent. “You have to re-wire your body to throw up in the zone. You have to learn how to do it. The problem is, when you learn to throw up in the zone, you tend to miss in the middle of the zone. That’s what I think he really struggled with.” Related: Sox prospect Jarren Duran has big-league talent, but he’s not quite there yet
Pivetta struggled to adapt in 2019 and received little latitude to acclimate. After four starts, he had an 8.35 ERA and was demoted to the minors. When he returned to the big leagues, he showed improvement in eight starts (4.73 ERA) but was shifted to the bullpen for the final two months of the year.
A pitcher who’d exuded confidence coming to the majors faced uncertainty. By the time the Phillies traded him and minor leaguer Connor Seabold to the Sox for relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree last summer, he seemed lost.
“You start wondering, ‘Am I a Four-A guy?’ You start changing the person you are. That’s kind of what happened,” said Hamill. “I think the best thing that ever happened for Nick was to get traded, get a clean slate. We had many conversations about this when he went over where we said, ‘Hey, I don’t want to say this is your last chance, but it’s your last chance. You need to go and show what you’re capable of doing … You can’t blame the organization anymore. You really have to go in and this is on your shoulders. Pitch how you want to pitch.’”
The Sox agreed. When Pivetta joined them, the team didn’t tell him how to pitch. Coaches and team officials asked for his input, starting with the mechanics with which he was comfortable.
Pivetta let them know that he wanted to spread the zone from top to bottom with his fastball. The team offered information about both what kind of results he got in different areas with his pitches — as well as how his sequences played. But they put the ball, quite literally, in his right hand.
“That’s the thing Nick keeps telling me,” said Hamill. “He’s like, ‘These guys are letting me be myself. They’re letting me pitch down in the zone. They’re not saying every fastball has to be letter-high.’”
Ironically, with that message, Pivetta has been working chiefly in the top third of the zone and above it with his four-seamer this year — his most effective location.
“We’ve worked hard on trying to build that trust of how it plays and where it plays and why it does. He’s done the work and buy-in for it,” said gameplan coordinator Jason Varitek. “It hasn’t been easy for him. He’s getting there. He’s getting more and more confidence with it.”
He’s doing so with the sort of velocity (94.6 miles per hour) that he had coming up with the Phillies. With the realization that he can command his slider in the zone, he’s significantly increased his usage of it, roughly doubling it compared to his time in Philadelphia. With those two hard offerings, his curveball has locked up hitters — more of a strike-stealing change of speeds than a primary option.
The total package has been that of a pitcher who, at 28, seems to be defining himself as a key contributor on a first-place team.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 2:27:50 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook Red Sox reliever Hirokazu Sawamura aiming to elevate his game, zone delivery By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated May 13, 2021, 8:22 p.m.
The Red Sox have stressed the importance of pitching up in the zone to Hirokazu Sawamura. In his one-inning appearance in a 6-2 win against the Orioles May 7, Sawamura yielded his fourth homer of the year.
“Fastball is down in the zone,” manager Alex Cora said afterward. “That’s something that we have talked about.”
Sawamura heeded Cora’s words, intimating Thursday afternoon the importance of pounding the top of the zone with his fastball, and getting the fastball above the hitters’ swing paths. It’s part of the adjustment Sawamura said he’s learned to make since arriving from Japan.
“The hitters here, I think they’re good at scooping the low strike, the low fastball,” Sawamura said before the Sox’ 8-1 win vs. the A’s at Fenway Park. “That’s the pitch I’ve given the home run off. They have long reach.”
Sawamura made an adjustment in Tuesday’s outing, striking out four A’s hitters over two innings of no-hit work.
Sawamura could give the Red Sox’ struggling bullpen a big boost in high-leverage situations, provided he can can build on Tuesday’s outing during which he worked a season-high two innings, recording a career-high four strikeouts. Related: Sox prospect Jarren Duran has big-league talent, but he’s not quite there yet
“If I’m asked to pitch in high-leverage situations or tough situations, as a pitcher that’s an honor,” Sawamura said. “I’m really honored to be able to pitch in those situations and I can make that sort of my motivation to go out there if [Cora] gives me the ball in a tough situation.” Hernández, Arroyo close
Kiké Hernández (right hamstring strain) likely will go on a rehab assignment Saturday or Sunday, per Cora. Christian Arroyo (left hand contusion) hit for the first time Thursday.
“It seems like both of them are trending in the right direction” Cora said. Especially Enrique. And that’s good news for us.”
Hernández will DH on Saturday then play center on Sunday. The team will make a decision on what to do with Arroyo based on how he feels coming out of batting practice.
“We just have to wait and see,” Cora said. “But it seems like he’s feeling a lot better. The fact that he’s going to hit outside is a positive for us.” Casas on a tear
Triston Casas had an evening at the plate for the Double A Portland Sea Dogs in a 14-3 demolition of the host Hartford Yard Goats on Wednesday. The Red Sox top prospect and No. 1 pick (26th overall) in the 2018 MLB amateur draft went 4 for 6 with two homers, one double and six RBIs. Casas also scored three times.
In Thursday’s 6-5 win at Hartford, Casas was 2 for 4 with a 3-run homer. Casas is hitting .313/.371/.625 slugging with three homers in his first eight games.
“He’s a good hitter,” Cora said of Casas. “He hasn’t played much baseball since he signed, but it’s good to see him putting good swings [on the ball]. He knows the game. He knows his swing. He knows what to do with his swing.
“And here’s a guy whose future is bright the way we see it. He’s a very important piece of this organization.” Sea Dogs to fill ‘em up
The Portland Sea Dogs announced they will go back to full capacity at Hadlock Field beginning in June. This falls in compliance with Maine’s updated COVID-19 protocol guidance for outdoor facilities.
Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, announced recently 70 percent of the state’s population age 18 and older received at least their first COVID-19 vaccination.
Masks won’t be required when fans are outside watching the game, but facial coverings will be mandated upon entry into the stadium. Masks also need to be worn when fans walk in public areas through the concourse or while in the bathroom.
“We have carefully followed the expert guidance of the state throughout the entire pandemic and feel confident with today’s announcement that we will be able to safely host fans in our traditional seating arrangement,” said Geoff Iacuessa, the Sea Dogs president and general manager.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 2:40:08 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 5h Verdugo's not striking out, but he's is in a slump with how he is contacting the ball. First 21 games he was crushing everything for line drives, last 15 games you can see how he's been mishitting the ball, popping a bunch up and rolling over on others.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 3:12:56 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox notebook: Fenway Park likely will be at full capacity this summer, Hirokazu Sawamura using Hi-Chew candy to make friends in clubhouse Today 1:00 AM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Fenway Park might not be limited to 25% capacity for long.
Appearing on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Thursday morning, Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy hinted that the ballpark might be back to full capacity much sooner than many would have expected. At the latest, he said, Fenway will be 100% filled by Aug. 1, barring any setbacks with the pandemic.
“We are hearing all good news,” Kennedy said. “Things are getting much, much better. People at the state and the city tell us they’re hopeful we’re on track for opening to 100% capacity at some point this summer. No specific dates, of course. We’re hoping that Aug. 1 would be the latest. We’ve got concerts scheduled and Zac Brown (Band) just added a date. We’re hoping to be at full capacity as soon as possible.”
The Red Sox played their first 19 home games in front of a 12% filled crowd before the state of Massachusetts upped the capacity limit to 25% earlier this week. Boston’s series against the Angels this weekend will be played with a 25% capacity but it’s possible the limit could be increased before the club comes back home for its next homestand from May 25-30.
Sawamura making friends with Hi-Chew candy
Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura, who came to the Red Sox in February after spending the first 10 years of his professional career in Japan, has found a fun way to make friends in the clubhouse. The 33-year-old has been giving out Hi-Chew, a popular Japanese candy, and has found many fans among his teammates.
“Obviously, language is an issue for me, but despite that, I try to go into the circle of conversation and ask a lot of questions even though I really don’t speak English,” Sawamura said through interpreter Yutaro Yamaguchi. “I try to learn it and speak it so I think that way, I’ve been able to kind of blend in with my teammates. Recently, the Hi-Chew is really popular in the clubhouse, bullpen and dugout and everything. Hi-Chew is the key for good communication. Extremely popular.”
Former Red Sox reliever Junichi Tazawa was the first one to introduce the club to the candy back in 2012, as Tim Healey laid out in this story for the Sun-Sentinel back in Sept. 2017.
Bogaerts, Dalbec homer; Chavis-Dalbec a competition?
The Red Sox were the beneficiaries of a pair of two-run homers in the first two innings of Thursday’s 8-1 rout over the A’s, as Xander Bogaerts and Bobby Dalbec each left the yard early against lefty Sean Manaea. Bogaerts’ eighth home run of the year narrowly stayed fair down the left-field line while Dalbec’s shot cleared the wall in center.
Bogaerts -- making a rare appearance as the designated hitter -- ended up 3-for-3 and a triple short of the cycle. In his final plate appearance, he worked a walk.
“I’m trying to convince him to DH tomorrow again,” Cora joked. “He said no. He wants to play short again. It was good to see him hunting the first pitch and put a good swing on it. And then he just kept adding on. I think the walk tells you who he is. If it was somebody else, he’d try to hit the ball in the corner and see what happens, go for the cycle. But he took his walk and it was a solid night for him.”
Dalbec was out of the lineup for the first two games of the series while Michael Chavis started at first. Dalbec has been Boston’s primary first baseman all season but Chavis could push for playing time if he significantly outplays Dalbec during his time with the big-league club.
“It is a competition but it’s not,” Chavis said. “He doesn’t care about the competition aspect. He cares about me as a person and I care about him as a person. At the end of the day, we’re absolutely just pulling for each other.”
Cora was happy to see Dalbec play well after sitting for two days in a row. Chavis had two doubles in the game as well.
“We’re trying to put the best lineup out there on a daily basis and I just felt the last two days, it was good for him to reset again and give Michael a chance to go out there and play,” Cora said. “The two were really good today.”
Whitlock stretched out, gets first save
Rookie righty Garrett Whitlock tossed three innings to close out Thursday’s win, recording his first big-league save in the process. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out two.
It’s clear Cora is trying to stretch out both Whitlock and Matt Andriese in case a spot starter is needed in the coming weeks. With Tanner Houck (sore flexor muscle) and Connor Seabold (elbow inflammation) both shut down and Bryan Mata (Tommy John surgery) out for the year, the Sox are suddenly light on potential depth starters if one of their main five rotation arms were to go down.
“In a perfect world, (we’d stretch out) just one, but we don’t live in a perfect world,” Cora said. “When they go, like I’ve been saying all along, it’s good for them to go multiple innings.”
Whitlock will likely be unavailable for all three games of the Angels series after throwing 52 pitches against Oakland.
“After two innings, there’s no way he pitches against the Angels, so push him one more inning and hopefully he’ll be ready for Toronto,” Cora said.
Cora complimentary of A’s
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was impressed with what he saw from the Athletics this week at Fenway. Oakland is in sole possession of first place in the American League West, leading the division by 1 ½ games over Houston.
Cora said he was hoping to avoid the A’s in the 2018 playoffs. He got his wish when the Yankees defeated Oakland in the wild card game that year.
“There’s something about their roster construction that it’s tough to match up with them,” Cora said. “It’s no only about platoon advantage. It’s their bullpen. They do an outstanding job maximizing their roster. Bob is one of those managers — he has been around for a long, long time and he knows how they do things. We always talk about their offense and they hit the ball in the air and they control the strike zone. Although this year, it’s a little bit different defensively. Numbers-wise, it’s not as good as years past, but they always have good defenders, they always have good catchers and they always have good relievers. Whatever they do, it works.”
Cora spoke with former Red Sox first baseman about his early impressions of A’s manager Bob Melvin, who has won the American League Manager of the Year award three times (2007, 2012 and 2018).
“They know how to play the game,” Cora said. “They do a good job. Talking to Mitch a little bit about (Melvin), it’s refreshing to hear Mitch talk about Bob and how they do things and how they approach the game. They’re always prepared and it’s a testament to who he is.”
Angels up next
After avoiding the sweep with Thursday’s win, the Red Sox will welcome the Angels to town for a three-game set starting Friday. Here are the pitching probables:
Friday, 7:10 p.m. — RHP Nick Pivetta (5-0, 3.19 ERA) vs. RHP Griffin Canning (3-2, 5.19 ERA)
Saturday, 4:10 p.m. — LHP Martín Pérez (0-2, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Dylan Bundy (0-4, 5.03 ERA)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m. — RHP Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 4.20 ERA) vs. LHP José Quintana (0-3, 9.00) ERA
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 3:17:04 GMT -5
Angels News
Series preview: Angels look to bounce back in Boston
They’re in last place in the AL West By BlakeHarris@BlakeHarrisTBLA May 13, 2021, 5:13pm PDT
After losing two of three in Houston, the Angel will look to get back in the win column this weekend in Boston. They’ll enter the three-game series where they’re in last place, as the Red Sox are currently in first place and have one of the best records in all of baseball. Friday: Nick Pivetta (5-0, 3.19 ERA) vs. Griffin Canning (3-2, 5.19 ERA)
After a very rough start to his season, Griffin Canning has been excellent for the Angels over his last two starts. He’s allowed only one run in seven innings and has 13 strikeouts. With not a lot of things going well with the starting rotation, he’s been reliable for his last two outings. Hopefully he can make it a third. Although, his success has mainly been at Angel Stadium this year. In four starts, Canning has an ERA of 6.00 on the road. Though, if you want a positive from that, he’s strikeout out 12 hitters per nine innings.
After a pretty rough couple years to begin his big-league career, Nick Pivetta has been a near All-Star caliber pitcher through the first month of the season. The only thing he’s struggled with is command, as he has a league-high 22 walks. He’s averaging 5.4 per nine innings. Pivetta has walked at least three hitters in all but one start this season. Over his last three starts, he owns a 2.81 ERA and is holding opponents to a .179 AVG. Saturday: Martin Perez (0-2, 4.01 ERA) vs. Dylan Bundy (0-4, 5.03 ERA)
2021 hasn’t been kind to Dylan Bundy after his best season as a pro in 2020. His ERA is over five and he has yet to win a game. His strikeout and walk numbers are nearly identical to last year, but things just aren’t going his way at all. His FIP is 3.48, which is extremely low for a guy with an ERA of above five. When looking deep into his numbers, it’s really been two very bad starts that have skewed the numbers, especially his last outing. Against the Dodgers, he allowed six runs in only 3 1⁄3 innings.
His numbers are pretty much middle of the pack in regards to everything, however, Martin Perez has been pretty solid over his last three starts for the Red Sox. Over his last 16 1⁄3 innings of action, he owns a 2.20 ERA with 17 strikeouts and only three walks. In his last start against Baltimore, he allowed one run in five innings of work.
Sunday: Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 4.20 ERA) vs. Jose Quintana (0-3, 9.00 ERA) He’s been one of the worst starters in baseball this season, but hopefully Quintana can build off his last start. Against the Dodgers, he threw four innings, which was the second longest outing of his season. He allowed only one run, the second time he’s done that all season as well. That start was much needed, as he was coming off back-to-back starts where he allowed at least five runs. The strikeouts are there, as he has 25 over his last 16 innings. If he can just limit the walks and home runs, Quintana will be more than fine.
For years, Nathan Eovaldi has been susceptible to home runs. Over the last two seasons, he’d allow two per nine innings. This season in 45 innings of work, he has yet to allow one. Sometimes I just don’t get how baseball works. He’s made eight starts this season, and five of them have been really good. We’ve seen how good he can be when he’s on his game. In his last start, he allowed only one run in six innings. This was coming after his previous start in which he allowed six runs in 4 1⁄3 innings.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 7:55:21 GMT -5
Peter Gammons @pgammo · 2h Mike Trout is having arguably the best season of his HOF career, and his 10.9 launch angle is the lowest of his career
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 7:59:34 GMT -5
Michael Chavis has proven he is part of the solution Current Time 0:11 / Duration 1:29
UP NEXT: moving
By Rob Bradford 2 hours ago
Michael Chavis has done his part. Now it's the Red Sox' turn to do theirs.
Keeping Chavis on the 26-man roster is the right thing to do.
Prior to the 25-year-old's reintroduction into the major leagues, Chavis represented a kind of square-peg-in-a-round-hole dynamic for the big league roster.
They had a right-handed-hitting first baseman (Bobby Dalbec). They had viable players at second base (Christian Arroyo, Enrique Hernandez). They had a utilityman who could play top-notch defense at multiple positions (Marwin Gonzalez). And they had enough outfielders who swung from the right side.
But sometimes you have to overlook the perfect fit and prioritize the right one. That's what we have with Chavis and this current group of Red Sox.
Sure, this could be perceived as a reactionary tone considering Chavis is coming off a two-hit night during the Red Sox' 8-1 win over the A's, with images of the infielder flying around the bases still fresh in our minds. But this is more than that.
Chavis was one of, if not the best Red Sox' players in spring training. He represented a different player than what was witnessed in 2020, noticeably becoming more athletic, allowing for better across-the-board defense. It just so happens to be the same portrait painted more than a month later in these games that actually count.
He weathered the storm of disappointment and has emerged as someone who seemingly deserves another chance.
"I feel like while I was down there, it was difficult to get work in," said Chavis of the alternate site. "I wasn’t able to get my routine going just because we weren’t playing legitimate games, we didn’t have umpires, and the one thing I was told to do down there was focus on zone recognition and it’s really complicated and tough to do when you don’t have an umpire. So while I was down there, I did my best to stay ready, and that was kind of the approach that I took. I wasn’t so worried about finding that difference or finding anything like that. Because I felt amazing in spring, I felt like I performed very well, I felt like I took care of business, and I was proud of myself. I was proud of the shape that I came in, I was proud of how I performed, I was proud of how I took care of my business in the clubhouse and the weight room, on the field, off the field, and that’s about it, honestly.”
So, what is the fit?
There is a very real possibility the Red Sox send Chavis back down to Worcester, prioritizing Danny Santana's versatility and ability to play the outfield when Franchy Cordero decision day arrives. (And it sure seems like it is coming.) Chavis is not a left-handed hitter and hasn't been playing outfield. That works against him.
OK. But the question has to be asked: Which player would be more viable for this team right now, Chavis or Phillips Valdez? I think we know the answer.
The Red Sox have prioritized having the extra pitcher for fear of being caught short, which is understandable. But it sure feels as though things have been uncomfortable position-player-wise just as much as anything involving the pitching.
Valdez has been fine. But he has also pitched just three times since April 24, with none of the appearances serving any kind of importance.
It's time to find out what the Red Sox truly have it in Chavis. Maybe it's still the player who chases way too many high fastballs falls into yet another major-league-pitching-induced rut. But maybe, just maybe, the player we witnessed Thursday night is the reality.
That player -- that Michael Chavis -- is worth keeping around.
“My chances of staying with the team? Um, yes, sir, I absolutely want to stay around the team as long as absolutely possible," he said. "I’ve been taking the same approach that I took in spring training, I’m just trying to earn a spot every chance I get to play, I’m trying to make the most of it. just trying to make an impact, honestly. It’s been amazing being up here and being back with the guys, I love being up here and I love wearing Red Sox on my chest and it’s sure as hell easier to play as hard as I do when I have a Red Sox jersey on, I can tell you that.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 8:07:55 GMT -5
Guys like Renfroe remind me of Moreland nothing flashy but gets the job done..... dude has an arm, hits hard....I can see why Cora likes him.
Hunter Renfroe's defensive excellence is leaving quite an impression By Rob Bradford an hour ago
Before we go to the highlights, let's get the reaction. It's what will truly paint the picture.
Here is Michael Chavis after the Red Sox' 8-1 win over the A's Thursday night when asked about Hunter Renfroe's ability to throw a baseball from right field ...
Chavis isn't alone in his admiration.
The latest wave of adulation came courtesy the last two games. There were two pretty striking throws from an outfielder who is fitting Fenway Park's right field quite well. And, to top it off, there was a well above-average, over-the-shoulder catch to finish things off Thursday night.
Coming into Thursday night's game, Renfroe's numbers matched up nicely with the eye test. The Sox outfielder led all American League outfielders in runs saved (7), ranking ninth among AL outfielders in ultimate zone rating.
It's a package that is becoming more and more appreciated with each passing day, with Thursday offering the latest spotlight.
"Not too many outfielders go after that ball in a game like that, right? And he's hustling all the way. The last play was amazing," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "He's playing right field and it's pretty amazing, it's eye-opening. I saw the stat about defensive runs saved already in right field. We've seen some good ones play here, but this guy, he puts work. You've got to see him in batting practice, he's always shagging, creating angles, pretty similar to Jackie when he was here, in center field. He was all out, trying to see the angles and what he can do -- 'Do I catch it like this or like that?' -- he does some crazy stuff, too, but he enjoys playing right field, and it's a pleasure to watch him."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 8:10:03 GMT -5
Michael Chavis’ success with Red Sox puts pressure on struggling Bobby Dalbec
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald May 14, 2021 at 5:03 a.m.
Michael Chavis remembers what it’s like to be the new guy.
It’s isolating, a bit scary and made worse when the results aren’t there.
So when Chavis was asked to describe the dynamic between him and Bobby Dalbec, a pair of young and unproven Red Sox prospects who are currently competing for playing time and, eventually, a roster spot, he remembered that feeling.
“It is a competition, but it’s not,” Chavis said after the Sox’ 8-1 win over the A’s on Thursday night. “He doesn’t care about the competition aspect. He cares about me as a person, I care about him as a person, and at the end of the day, we are just absolutely pulling for each other. And one of the beautiful things about this team is that you don’t really feel that kind of fighting atmosphere. There’s always going to be guys competing for spots and competing for positions, but everybody’s pulling for each other.”
Less than a week since being recalled to the big leagues, Chavis has made his presence felt.
Hitting leadoff Thursday night, he started the game with a hustle double and ended the night 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and some solid defense at second base.
One could already argue that Chavis has done as much to impact the Red Sox’ record in five games than Dalbec has done in 31.
But Dalbec looked like a fire was lit under him on Thursday. He hit a majestic home run that bounced somewhere off the back wall in center field just to the right of the Green Monster. It was measured at 432 feet, though it looked even farther than that. He also hit a single the other way to raise his average back to .200.
“We’re going to keep pushing him and keep grinding,” manager Alex Cora said. “There’s a lot of work to do and he’s put in the work. It’s something that we’re trying to put the best lineup out there on a daily basis and I just thought the last two days were good for him to reset again and give Michael a chance to go out and play.
“The two were really good today. Solid every day for everybody.”
For the previous two games, Dalbec was forced to watch from the bench as Chavis started twice in a row at first base, Dalbec’s position all year. Cora had been supportive of Dalbec throughout his season-long slump, but said Thursday that it was time to perform.
“The other kid came in and hit a home run right away,” Cora said of Chavis. “We’ve got 26 guys and we’ve got to maximize them. One guy is struggling, the other is putting good at-bats … I know that (Dalbec) is working hard, but at the end, we’ve got to go with the lineup that we feel is going to produce that day.”
If watching from the bench was difficult for Dalbec, imagine the pain for Chavis, who had to watch Red Sox games from home as he was stuck in Triple-A Worcester, despite an impressive spring training in which he hit .250 with six homers, one shy of Dalbec’s Grapefruit League-leading seven home runs.
Chavis didn’t hold back when asked if the last month-plus in Triple-A helped him.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “I feel like while I was down there, it was difficult to get work in. I wasn’t able to get my routine going just because we weren’t playing legitimate games, we didn’t have umpires, and the one thing I was told to do down there was focus on zone recognition. It’s really complicated and tough to do when you don’t have an umpire.
“So while I was down there, I did my best to stay ready, and that was kind of the approach that I took. I wasn’t so worried about finding that difference or finding anything like that. Because I felt amazing in spring, I felt like I performed very well, I felt like I took care of business, and I was proud of myself. I was proud of the shape that I came in, I was proud of how I performed, I was proud of how I took care of my business in the clubhouse and the weight room, on the field, off the field. And that’s about it, honestly.”
Now he’s back in the big leagues and looking like a spark in the Red Sox lineup.
With Kiké Hernandez and Christian Arroyo both eligible to return May 17, it looks like one of either Chavis or Dalbec will be heading back to Worcester.
“Competition is always good,” Cora said. “We always talk about it. I know they both want to be in the big leagues, they want to contribute. The one that benefits from all that is the team. So if that’s the case, so be it.”
If Chavis keeps adding a spark to the lineup, the pressure’s on Dalbec.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on May 14, 2021 8:11:01 GMT -5
Letting Nick Pivetta be himself is paying off big for Red SoxBy Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 13, 2021, 9:33 p.m. “It was, ‘OK, we’re going to change you and you need to pitch up in the zone.’ There wasn’t a lot of tutelage for how to do that. It was more, ‘Just throw up,’” recalled Ryan Hamill, Pivetta’s agent. “You have to re-wire your body to throw up in the zone. You have to learn how to do it. The problem is, when you learn to throw up in the zone, you tend to miss in the middle of the zone. That’s what I think he really struggled with.” Pivetta let them know that he wanted to spread the zone from top to bottom with his fastball. The team offered information about both what kind of results he got in different areas with his pitches — as well as how his sequences played. But they put the ball, quite literally, in his right hand.. This is more or less what Richards said when talking about Bush. It's one thing knowing what makes the most sense. It is an entirely different matter to translate that into effective action.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 8:13:38 GMT -5
Letting Nick Pivetta be himself is paying off big for Red SoxBy Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 13, 2021, 9:33 p.m. “It was, ‘OK, we’re going to change you and you need to pitch up in the zone.’ There wasn’t a lot of tutelage for how to do that. It was more, ‘Just throw up,’” recalled Ryan Hamill, Pivetta’s agent. “You have to re-wire your body to throw up in the zone. You have to learn how to do it. The problem is, when you learn to throw up in the zone, you tend to miss in the middle of the zone. That’s what I think he really struggled with.” Pivetta let them know that he wanted to spread the zone from top to bottom with his fastball. The team offered information about both what kind of results he got in different areas with his pitches — as well as how his sequences played. But they put the ball, quite literally, in his right hand.. This is more or less what Richards said when talking about Bush. It's one thing knowing what makes the most sense. It is an entirely different matter to translate that into effective action. Pivetta, heck everyone knows what he has to focus on cutting down on the free passes one of these days he is gonna get smacked by it.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 14, 2021 8:21:09 GMT -5
Just to expand this, cuz at the start of the week the Red Sox had 4 in their line up with it... Devers right now is .905 verdugo....774
No other team close to it.....
Red Sox Notes @soxnotes · 32m The Red Sox are the only team featuring multiple qualifying batters with a 1.000+ OPS.
Mike Trout, LAA – 1.150 Jesse Winker, CIN – 1.085 Kris Bryant, CHC – 1.050 Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL – 1.050 J.D. Martinez, BOS – 1.044 Yermín Mercedes, CWS – 1.015 Xander Bogaerts, BOS – 1.009
and other thing that makes this impressive the bats were pretty quiet this week....
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